Treatment of hypophonia with collagen vocal cord augmentation in patients with parkinsonism.

We conducted structured interviews of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other parkinsonian disorders and their caregivers after augmentation of vocal folds with collagen injections. A total of 12 patients (mean age, 73.7 +/- 8.6 years) completed the questionnaire after an average of 3.0 +/- 1.7 collagen injections, with an average of 13.8 +/- 7.4 weeks between each injection. In addition to improvement in all six voice quality questions, there was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the Glascow Benefit Inventory (GBI) score. The injection procedure was tolerated well by patients with an average duration of benefit lasting 7.8 +/- 8.5 weeks. Augmentation of vocal folds with collagen provides temporary improvement in voice in patients with parkinsonian hypophonia.